WASHINGTON– Jackson ranks 4th in the nation for HIV infections and the Human Rights Campaign says it’s because people aren’t talking about it.
A study from the Center for Disease Control from 2011 shows that Jackson ranks 4th in the nation for HIV infections in cities. Today the Human Rights Campaign says that number could be helped.
“The main reason HIV continues to spread is because of stigma. By talking openly about HIV, we take it out of silence,” said HRC Mississippi Director Rob Hill. “We must have these conversations about maintaining good health.”
HIV is seen in the LGBT community, especially in gay and bisexual black men and transgender women. Hill says it is social stigma and discrimination that keeps these patients from feeling comfortable about talking to their doctor.
The Center For Disease Control has a few tips for educating people and reducing the risk of HIV:
- Educate yourself on HIV
- Talk to friends and family about HIV
- Spread the word about HIV on social media to educate others
You can find the study from the CDC here.
